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Fixing camera or microphone permission issues

Updated October 4, 2026

In short

Almost every recording problem comes down to the browser not having camera/microphone permission yet, or another app already using the camera. Here’s how to check both.

Check your browser’s permission setting

If you tapped Block by accident, or dismissed the permission prompt without answering, your browser will keep blocking access until you change it manually.

  • Chrome / Edge (desktop): click the lock or camera icon in the address bar, set Camera and Microphone to Allow, then refresh the page.
  • Safari (iPhone/iPad): go to Settings → Safari → Camera and Microphone, and make sure they’re set to Allow or Ask.
  • Chrome (Android): tap the lock icon in the address bar → Permissions → turn on Camera and Microphone.

Something else might be using your camera

Only one app can use your camera at a time. If you’ve got a video call open in another tab or app — Zoom, Teams, FaceTime — close it first, then reload the Whoosh page.

Private/incognito windows and browser extensions

Some privacy-focused browser extensions and incognito/private browsing modes block camera access by default, even after you tap Allow. If you’re in a private window, try the same link in a normal window; if you have a strict ad- or tracker-blocking extension installed, try temporarily disabling it for this one page.

Still stuck?

Try a different browser (Chrome and Safari are the most reliable), or restart your device — this clears up most lingering permission glitches. If none of that helps, contact us and let us know what device and browser you’re using.

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